Mukono, Uganda – In a shocking turn of events, a 21-year-old student from Uganda Christian University (UCU) is currently fighting for her life after being shot by a police officer in a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning in Nabuti Village, Mukono District.
Natasha Nagayi, accompanied by her boyfriend, Ashraf Bandishe, had returned from an evening outing when tragedy struck. Fatally misinterpreting the house they were attempting to enter, Natasha mistakenly used a key to open the door of a police officer’s residence. Little did she know that the dwelling belonged to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dismas Tebangole, attached to the Counter Terrorism Police, VIPPU.
At approximately 1 am, ASP Tebangole, 57, noticed someone attempting to open his front door. Suspicion instantly consumed him as he peered through the window and witnessed the unfamiliar figure using a key to gain access. Fueled by a sense of apprehension, the officer discharged three live bullets through the window, one of which struck Natasha Nagayi in the right chest, just below the armpit.
Immediately upon being shot, Natasha collapsed to the ground, crying out for help and vehemently asserting that she was not a thief. In a stroke of luck, she managed to mention the name of Bandishe Ashraf, one of the tenants residing in the house, bringing attention to the unfolding tragedy. The caretaker of the residence, Ssengendo Hanington, along with concerned neighbors, promptly rushed to the scene.
As the situation unfolded, ASP Tebangole emerged from his residence, confronted with the devastating realization that his actions had caused grave harm to an innocent young woman. The police responded swiftly, taking ASP Tebangole into custody. A subsequent search of his person led to the recovery of a pistol loaded with 12 live rounds of ammunition.
Natasha Nagayi, now hospitalized at Kawolo General Hospital in Buikwe District, continues to fight for her life. The bullet wound inflicted upon her has left her in critical condition, necessitating extensive medical intervention. Meanwhile, Ashraf Bandishe, deeply shaken by the events, expressed remorse, explaining that Natasha had been entrusted with his house keys for the first time due to her university hall’s curfew policy.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the excessive use of force and the need for better identification protocols for law enforcement officers. The Ugandan authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In the wake of this distressing incident, many are calling for improved training and protocols to ensure the safety of citizens during encounters with the police. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper identification and communication in high-pressure situations to prevent tragic mistakes like this from occurring.
As Natasha Nagayi’s loved ones anxiously await her recovery, the nation stands united in hoping for justice and a swift resolution to this distressing case.
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